May 9,1946 – June 28,2012
Red passed away at the Cascade Hospice in the presence of loving family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Freda Hare.
He is survived by his son, Dakota Lee Hare, his stepson Dylan (Heather) Cuff, their mother Maggie Cuff, his sisters Dorothy Schroeder and Loreen (Phil) Richmond, his nephew Glen Schroeder and niece Jennifer Harder.
Born in Gladstone, Manitoba, he was a long time resident of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake, Yarrow and Ryder Lake. Ever since his youth, Red was at the heart of a vibrant fellowship of musicians, artists, and countless dear friends.
Red had a career as a prolific artist and contributed his talent to the community in promoting local events and designing floats for the City in local parades. Red’s unique artwork left an unmistakable imprint throughout the communities he lived, whether it be in graphic designs, paintings, billboards, signs, posters, or many of the other mediums he pursued. He was also a gifted conga drum player and played and toured with bands from the time he was a teenager to the present. In recent years he played with the local band, the Blendurz, and with well known musician Trevor McDonald as well as other musicians.
Red was a gentle soul who was loved by all who knew him and called him friend. His warm-hearted nature and wit will leave us all with rich memories and inspiration. He will be missed.
His family wishes to thank the doctors and staff of the Abbotsford Cancer Clinic and Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital and Cascade Hospice for their care and kindness. Also, many thanks to his dear friends Jim Morford, Trevor and Tracey McDonald, Blake Munce and Michael James who were his constant companions during his last days. His son, Dakota was constantly at his side for the last month of his life.
A private graveside service to be attended by immediate family will be held. A farewell tea and musical jam celebrating Red’s life will be held at a time and location to be specified. Donations to the Cascade Hospice in Red’s memory would be appreciated.
On passing the torch of life
We’ve heard the one about the Taurus and the Hare
We all know how our life at times doesn’t seem fair
And yet we all do our best with what we are holding
As we strive towards our highest good and unfolding
I met Frank in the sixties when I was way too druggy
He had long red hair and drove a yellow dune buggy
We became fast friends during those forty-four years
Sharing laughs, music and occasionally, a few tears
Red never judged me or anyone else whom he knew
He loved his music, the arts and all of his friends too
Together we made many gallons of home made wine
It rarely had a chance to age but it always tasted fine
In all those years I never heard Frank raise his voice
Not in anger or frustration; he just seemed to rejoice
And enjoy what our lives were to each other’s being
We were who we were, as I look back clearly seeing
For anyone who hung with this very friendly bloke
Knew after he had listened he was quick with a joke
Even as I cried out for him, from behind wet cheeks
He dried them off with a one liner about diaper leaks
Now this life we shared has become something more
Ingrained in who we are, not in who’s keeping score
We can only look forward to what we have yet ahead
As our pasts flow downstream I’m left crying instead
We’ve lost our friend, Frank, to some, he’s Red Hare
A man loved by us all and a man who really did care
May I speak for us all as I toast to this wonderful soul
Frank, we love you man, you helped make life whole.
- Blake Munce